Tag: worship

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The Flying Scroll and a Woman in a Basket

Did you ever wonder about Zechariah’s vision of a flying scroll and a woman in a basket? What could these symbols mean? Here is a short study with some thoughts that might help explain this strange vision.

Then I turned, and lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a flying roll. Zechariah 5:1

What is this flying scroll? Here are some clues.

Moreover the LORD said unto me, Take thee a great roll, and write in it with a man’s pen concerning Mahershalalhashbaz. Isaiah 8:1

This roll in Isaiah is a prophecy of the judgment against Damascus and Samaria that is described in the rest of the chapter.

Take thee a roll of a book, and write therein all the words that I have spoken unto thee against Israel, and against Judah, and against all the nations, from the day I spake unto thee, from the days of Josiah, even unto this day. Jeremiah 36:2

In this passage also the roll appears to contain judgments of God.

And he said unto me, What seest thou? And I answered, I see a flying roll; the length thereof is twenty cubits, and the breadth thereof ten cubits. Then said he unto me, This is the curse that goeth forth over the face of the whole earth: for every one that stealeth shall be cut off as on this side according to it; and every one that sweareth shall be cut off as on that side according to it. Zechariah 5:2, 3

This roll is said to contain a curse for the whole earth! The dimensions given are the same as the Holy Place in the Sanctuary—twenty cubits long, ten cubits wide. Why? This curse comes because of the desecration of the sanctuary mentioned by Daniel.

Yea, he magnified himself even to the prince of the host, and by him the daily sacrifice was taken away, and the place of his sanctuary was cast down. Daniel 8:11

The word “daily” comes from the Hebrew word tamiyd which is used in the Pentateuch for the daily or continual ministration in the temple. The word “sacrifice” was added by the translators; the daily ministration included more than sacrifices. Every day, continually, there was a sacrifice burning on the Altar of Burnt Offering (symbolizing forgiveness and consecration), there was water in the Laver (cleansing), the Holy Place was lighted by the lamps on the Candlestick (Holy Spirit illumination), the smoke of incense went up from the Altar of Incense (intercession), and the Bread of the Presence was maintained on the Table of Shewbread (spiritual nourishment). This “continual” ministration in the Outer Court and in the Holy Place represents what Jesus has been doing and providing as our Mediator in the heavenly sanctuary. (Hebrews 4:14-16, etc.)

Many aspects of this daily ministration have been replaced or corrupted by the Roman Catholic Church. They put earthly priests in place of our Heavenly High Priest, Jesus. They marketed indulgences in place of Jesus’ all-sufficient sacrifice for forgiveness. For cleansing, they introduced sprinkling instead of immersion baptism. The spiritual illumination of the Holy Spirit was squelched by keeping the Bible inaccessible to the common people. Jesus’ intercession was replaced with the intercession of Mary and various saints. The uncorrupted bread from heaven, the Word of God, was replaced with corrupted manuscripts that support Catholic doctrines and agenda.

I will bring it forth, saith the LORD of hosts, and it shall enter into the house of the thief, and into the house of him that sweareth falsely by my name: and it shall remain in the midst of his house, and shall consume it with the timber thereof and the stones thereof. Zechariah 5:4

God will bring forth the curse. It is a curse to those who are falsely called “Christian” and who are really serving the enemy of souls. What is this enemy that is a curse to the whole earth? We see her in the following verses.

Then the angel that talked with me went forth, and said unto me, Lift up now thine eyes, and see what is this that goeth forth. And I said, What is it? And he said, This is an ephah that goeth forth. He said moreover, This is their resemblance through all the earth. And, behold, there was lifted up a talent of lead: and this is a woman that sitteth in the midst of the ephah. Zechariah 5:5-7

The word “resemblance” (Strong’s number H5869) is the word for eye but can have the meaning of affliction according to Strong’s dictionary. So the prophet sees this woman in a basket as the affliction or curse to the whole earth.

The woman in Revelation 12 is God’s true church. The woman in Revelation 17 is a false church, a prostitute who commits fornication with the kings of the earth. This is the basis for considering this woman in the basket as a church. This wicked woman in the basket represents a corrupt church.

And he said, This is wickedness. And he cast it into the midst of the ephah; and he cast the weight of lead upon the mouth thereof. Zechariah 5:8

The woman in the basket appeared as the curse of the earth but then was contained for a period under the heavy lid. This is Roman Catholicism, the persecuting power of those horrible times, the curse in the earth, during the Dark Ages. She was restrained in her power for a short time after Napoleon took the Pope captive in 1798. But what happens when we see the lid opened at the end of the vision?

Then lifted I up mine eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came out two women, and the wind was in their wings; for they had wings like the wings of a stork: and they lifted up the ephah between the earth and the heaven. Zechariah 5:9

There are now two women instead of one coming out of the basket. According to the Spirit of Prophecy the prostitute Babylon in Revelation 17 symbolizes various entities including Roman Catholicism and Apostate Protestantism (two horned beast).

In Revelation 17, Babylon is represented as a woman, a figure which is used in the Scriptures as the symbol of a church. A virtuous woman represents a pure church, a vile woman an apostate church. Babylon is said to be a harlot; and the prophet beheld her drunken with the blood of saints and martyrs. The Babylon thus described represents Rome, that apostate church which has so cruelly persecuted the followers of Christ. But Babylon the harlot is the mother of daughters who follow her example of corruption. Thus are represented those churches that cling to the doctrines and traditions of Rome and follow her worldly practices, and whose fall is announced in the second angel’s message. {4SP 233.1}

The vision that Christ presented to John, presenting the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, is to be definitely proclaimed to all nations, people, and tongues. The churches, represented by Babylon, are represented as having fallen from their spiritual state to become a persecuting power against those who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. To John this persecuting power is represented as having horns like a lamb, but as speaking like a dragon. . . . {TM 117.4}

These women have wings of a stork, an unclean bird. What does the Bible say about an unclean bird?

And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. Revelation 18:2

Then said I to the angel that talked with me, Whither do these bear the ephah? And he said unto me, To build it an house in the land of Shinar: and it shall be established, and set there upon her own base. Zechariah 5:10, 11

The land of Shinar is where the tower of Babel was built. These women, unholy churches, go together to again erect the tower of Babel. This is symbolic, as is all the rest of this vision, of the plans to set up a one-world religion and make all nations bow the knee.

What is the main issue to be decided at the end of time?

And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him? Revelation 13:4

And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. Revelation 13:15

The first beast in Revelation 13 represents the same as the harlot riding a beast: Roman Catholicism in its political form. The second beast establishes another system that has political power: apostate Protestantism. Both of these systems command and receive worship. What does God have to say in the next chapter?

And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. Revelation 14:6, 7

The conflict at the very end is all about worship. Who will you worship? God or His enemy?

Get ready; these things are soon to come to pass.

Christians should be preparing for what is soon to break upon the world as an overwhelming surprise, and this preparation they should make by diligently studying the word of God and striving to conform their lives to its precepts. The tremendous issues of eternity demand of us something besides an imaginary religion, a religion of words and forms, where truth is kept in the outer court. God calls for a revival and a reformation. Prophets and Kings, p. 626

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Who Is Jesus?

There is quite a lot of discussion and disagreement regarding who Jesus is, mainly centering around whether He is “God.” Let’s let the Bible tell us who He is.

He is God–

Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about him. Psalm 50:3

For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Matthew 3:3 (quoting Isaiah 40:3 where “LORD” = Jehovah)

The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Isaiah 40:3

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1

These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him. John 12:41 (referring to Isaiah 6:1 where “the Lord” = Adonai)

In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. Isaiah 6:1

And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. John 20:28

Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen. Romans 9:5

But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Hebrews 1:8 (quoting Psalm 45:6 where “God” = Elohiym)

Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre. Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. Psalm 45:6, 7

And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: Hebrews 1:10 (quoting Psalm 102:24, 25 where “Lord” = El)

I said, O my God, take me not away in the midst of my days: thy years are throughout all generations. Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands. They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed: But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end. Psalm 102:24-27

He is the Son of God–

Matthew 8:29; 27:54

Mark 1:1; 3:11; 5:7; 15:39

Luke 1:32, 35; 4:41; 8:28

John 1:34, 49; 3:16-18; 6:69; 20:31

And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: Romans 1:4

He is part of God–

And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. Genesis 1:26

For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. Genesis 3:5

And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever: Genesis 3:22

He is One with the Father–

I and my Father are one. John 10:30

He resembles God–

Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: Colossians 1:15

He is in the Father and the Father is in Him–

If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him. John 10:37, 38

Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake. John 14:10, 11

To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:19

He was called “the mighty God,” “the everlasting Father”–

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

He was called “God with us”–

Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Matthew 1:23

He would be called “THE LORD (Jehovah) OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS”–

Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. Jeremiah 23:5, 6

He was sent by the Father to save the world–

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. John 3:16, 17

John the Baptist prepared for Him “the way of the LORD (Jehovah) . . . a highway for our God”–

The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Isaiah 40:3

He came in the Father’s name–

I am come in my Father’s name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive. John 5:43

The Father is greater than He–

Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I. John 14:28

He calls the Father “my God”–

And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Matthew 27:46

And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Mark 15:34

Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. John 20:17

Thomas called Him (Jesus) “my God”–

And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. John 20:28

God has exalted Him to a high position, given Him a great name, and declared that all should bow to Him and confess Him as Lord–

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9-11

He is the mediator between God and man —

For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 1 Timothy 2:5

We come to the Father through the Son–

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6

He is the “outshining of His glory, the copy of His essence”–

Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; Hebrews 1:3

All the fullness of divinity was in Him–

For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; Colossians 1:19

For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. Colossians 2:9

He was God manifest in the flesh–

And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. 1 Timothy 3:16

We can see the Father in Him–

Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? John 14:8, 9

He was made human, a “man”–

John 1:14, 30; 8:40

Acts 2:22

Romans 5:15

1 Corinthians 15:21

1 Timothy 2:5

Philippians 2:7, 8

Hebrews 2:14, 17

He displayed God’s glory–

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 1:14

Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; Hebrews 1:3

He demonstrated God’s character–

No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. John 1:18

The Father gave Him everything–

The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. John 3:35

All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you. John 16:15

And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them. John 17:10

He has been given authority to judge–

For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: . . . And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. John 5:22, 27

He is the Creator–

All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. John 1:3

He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. John 1:10

For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: Colossians 1:16

Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Hebrews 1:2

And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: Hebrews 1:10

He is a Prince and Saviour–

The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. Acts 5:30, 31

He is Lord–

And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. Luke 23:42

Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. John 13:13

And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. John 20:28

He is eternal, from eternity past to eternity future–

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. Micah 5:2

And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. Colossians 1:17

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1

Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. John 8:58

And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; and as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail. Hebrews 1:10-12

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. Hebrews 13:8

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. Revelation 1:8

I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. Revelation 1:18

He is omnipotent: He has all power (authority)–

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Matthew 28:18

As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. John 17:2

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. Revelation 1:8

He is omniscient–

That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Colossians 2:2, 3

He is omnipresent–

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Matthew 18:20

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Matthew 28:20

I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. John 14:18

He has life in Himself–

In him was life; and the life was the light of men. John 1:4

For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; John 5:26

No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father. John 10:18

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: John 11:25

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6

He is the singular channel of existence–

For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. Acts 17:28

And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. Colossians 1:17

His words are life–

It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. John 6:63

He can give physical life–

For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will. . . . Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. . . . Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. John 5:21, 25, 28, 29;

No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. John 6:44

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 1 Thessalonians 4:16

He can give eternal life–

As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. John 17:2

He is holy–

Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God. Mark 1:24

And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. Luke 1:35

He should be honored the same as the Father–

That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him. John 5:23

He is far above the angels, having a surpassing name–

Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. Hebrews 1:4

All the angels worship Him–

And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. Hebrews 1:6

He is to receive glory for ever and ever–

And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 2 Timothy 4:18

Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Hebrews 13:21

But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. 2 Peter 3:18

He is worthy to receive power, riches, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and blessing–

Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. Revelation 5:12

He receives the same honor as the One who sits on the throne–

And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. Revelation 5:13

The 4 beasts and 24 elders worshiped Him–

And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. Revelation 5:8

He has a sceptre and a kingdom–

But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Hebrews 1:8

He is the heir of all things–

Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Hebrews 1:2

He holds the position and has the authority and privileges of the Firstborn–

Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: Colossians 1:15

He upholds everything by His power–

Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; Hebrews 1:3

He sits at the right side of the Father, the Majesty–

Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; Hebrews 1:3

But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? Hebrews 1:13

He is far above all powers and authorities in this world and in the future world–

Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Ephesians 1:21, 22

He is King of kings and Lord of lords–

These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful. Revelation 17:14

And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. Revelation 19:16

He was not independent of the Father–

Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, the Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. John 5:19

I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me. John 5:30

As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. John 6:57

Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. John 8:28

For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak. John 12:49, 50

Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. John 14:10

He was totally good; only God is good–

Psalm 92:15

Mark 10:17, 18

John 8:46

2 Corinthians 5:21

1 Peter 2:22

1 John 3:5

He had power (authority) to forgive sins–

But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house. And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion. Mark 2:10-12

But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power upon earth to forgive sins, (he said unto the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go into thine house. And immediately he rose up before them, and took up that whereon he lay, and departed to his own house, glorifying God. Luke 5:24, 25

People worshiped Him–

Matthew 2:11; 8:2; 9:18; 14:33; 15:25; 28:9, 17

Mark 5:6

Luke 24:52

John 9:38

Revelation 1:17

We are told to only worship God–

Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Matthew 4:10

And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Luke 4:8

And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. Revelation 19:10;

And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things. Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God. Revelation 22:8, 9

Glory to the Son is glory to the Father–

Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him. John 13:31

As He is in the Father, He is in us and we in Him–

At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. John 14:20

The THREE (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) are together–

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Matthew 28:19

Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. 1 Corinthians 12:4-6

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. 2 Corinthians 13:14

Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. 1 Peter 1:2

There is one God (the Father), and one Lord (Jesus)–

But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. 1 Corinthians 8:6

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The Fatal Deception

And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast. And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?  Revelation 13:3-4

And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.  Revelation 13:16-18

Who is this beast of Revelation that all the world wonders after in the final days of this earth’s history? Who is this man who is responsible for this mark and has the number 666 that requires people to obey and worship him? If you have listened even a little bit to the news, you can’t help but know the answer. There is only one person in our world today who that fits this description. Newspapers and news networks are continually featuring him. The whole world has their eyes on him—the papacy, the “Holy Father.” He is being called the savior of the world, the religious leader of the world. And he intends to be Lord of the earth.

A dear Christian sister from Sri Lanka called me saying,“Oh, you can’t believe what I am seeing, here in this Buddhist country! The pope (Francis) has come to visit and they have flocked to him in huge numbers, the streets are full, and they fall at his feet and they worship him, like he was a god. Buddhists worshiping the pope! Can you imagine that?”

“He seems so humble and nice.” “He is the people’s pope.” But does he teach the truth as it is in scripture? Remember, nice is not the same as Christian. Hitler also seemed nice, at first. He spoke words of hope to economically-depressed Germany. He sounded so good, at first. He promised to make Germany great, to solve their financial problems, and to eventually bring peace in the world with Germany as the leader. He even sounded good to the German people part-way through the war. Sounding good and looking good is no guarantee of real goodness.

The ultimate question is, Should we follow this man? Is the pope really Christian? Or is he the antichrist we are warned about in scripture as the last great deception of Satan? He certainly fits the part of all the world wondering after him and worshiping him. Let’s compare what he says with what the Bible says and see if they match. Then we can make an intelligent decision as to who he is.

The pope on fundamentalism: Following his first visit to the Middle East as pope last month, the pontiff criticized fundamentalism in Christianity, Islam and Judaism as a form of violence. “A fundamentalist group, even if it kills no one, even if it strikes no one, is violent. The mental structure of fundamentalism is violence in the name of God.” [www.israelnationalnews.com, June 13, 2014]

What is a fundamentalist? According to Merriam-Webster:  A movement . . . emphasizing the literally-interpreted Bible as fundamental to Christian life and teaching.

So, if you are truly a Bible-believing Christian, you are a fundamentalist, and a terrorist according to the pope. Does that sound like a Christian teaching to you? If the Bible is not the basis of your religion, of what religion are you?

Jesus:  He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. John 12:48, 49

He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 1 John 5:10-12

The pope says, “If you are a Bible-believing Christian you are a terrorist.” Jesus says, “If you don’t believe my word, your not a Christian.”

Whom shall we believe and follow?

The pope on evolution:  Pope Francis Says Evolution Is Not Inconsistent With God, Backs Scientific Advancements” [www.christianpost.com, October 28, 2014]

“Pope Francis Says Evolution is Real and God is No Wizard”

The pontiff appeared to endorse the theory of the Big Bang and told the gathering at the Vatican that there was no contradiction between believing in God as well as the prevailing scientific theories regarding the expansion of our universe.

When we read about creation in Genesis, we run the risk of imagining God was a magician, with a magic wand able to do everything. But that is not so,” Francis said. [The Washington Post, October 28, 2014]

The evolutionary theory, as scientists preach it, scoffs at the idea that the world was created by the word of God. But the pope wants to blend evolution and biblical creation.

God’s word:  In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. Genesis 1:1

For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it. Exodus 20:11

By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth. . . . For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast. Psalm 33:6, 9

Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:  2 Peter 3:3-5

The Bible teaches that death is the result of sin and that it was man’s sin that brought death. Evolution teaches that the life/death cycle has been in operation for eons with no reference to the sin factor.

God’s Word:  Therefore, as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin; and so death passed unto all men, for that all sinned: Romans 5:12

For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 1 Corinthians 15:21

There is no way that the theory of evolution is consistent with what the Word of God says. But then the pope also said that to believe the word of God as it reads (Christian fundamentalism) is terrorism!

God’s Word: To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.  Isaiah 8:20

The Pope on Mary:  “May Mary, Cause of our Joy, who brings peace amid the profusion of sin and the turmoil of history, obtain for us the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and enable us to be good and faithful servants.

“Through her intercession, may the fullness of time come about also for us. The transition from before to after Christ means little if it remains a date in the annals of history. May each one of us be able to make an interior passage, a Passover of the heart, towards the divine “style” incarnated by Mary. May we do everything in littleness, and accompany others at close hand, with a simple and open heart.” [www.aleteia.org, July 28, 2016]

The papacy teaches that Mary is our intercessor and salvation is only through the Roman Catholic church.

Jesus:  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6

Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole . . . Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Acts 4:10, 12

The pope on law-keeping:  “How the rigid suffer! When they are honest and realize this, they suffer! Because they do not have the freedom of the children of God; they do not know how to walk in the path of God’s Law and they are not happy. And they suffer so much! They appear good because they follow the Law; but they are concealing something else: either they are hypocritical or they are sick. And they suffer! [www.romereports.com, October 24, 2016]

He is saying that those who follow God’s Law implicitly are rigid and hypocritical or sick.

God’s word:  He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. 1 John 2:4, 5

The pope on evangelism:  “Proselytism is a great sin against ecumenism.” [www.romereports.com October 3, 2016]

The ecumenical movement is for the purpose of uniting all into one world church. The pope is criticizing evangelistic efforts that win converts from other churches.

Jesus:  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Matthew 28:19, 20

The pope on Sunday:  “On Sunday, our participation in the Eucharist has special importance. Sunday, like the Jewish Sabbath, is meant to be a day which heals our relationship with God . . . And so the day of rest (Sunday), centered on the Eucharist, sheds its light on the whole week, and motivates us to greater concern for nature and the poor.” [Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si’]

God’s word:  But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thine ox, nor thine ass, nor any of thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; that thy manservant and thy maidservant may rest as well as thou. Deuteronomy 5:14

Jesus:  Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath. Mark 2:28

Jesus was referring to Sabbath, the seventh day, as His day, not Sunday, the first day.

The pope’s title:

Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is six hundred threescore and six. Revelation 13:18

Vicarius Filii Dei is the Latin title for the Pope. It means Vicar of the Son of God. A vicar is a substitute. According to this title, the pope claims to be a substitute for Jesus. Can we accept that?

Here is the title with its numerical value in Roman numerals:

V   I    C   A   R   I   U   S      F   I   L   I   I      D   E   I

5   1  100  0   0    1   5   0       0  1  50  1   1   500  0   1  =  666

The pope’s title identifies him as the beast of Revelation 13. And, as we have seen in these news clips, he is leading away from pure Bible truth. Should we be calling him a Christian and admiring him as most of the world is doing now?

There is much more that could be said, but the point is already clear. Are you seeing the picture? The pope’s beliefs and teachings are not the same as the Bible. Shall we follow this man as so much of the world is doing? Or is he the very man that we are warned about in scripture? The decision is yours. Who will you choose? I pray that you will not join in this fatal deception!

And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. Revelation 14:9-12

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The First Day of the Week: What the Bible says (and doesn’t say) about it.

There are only eight texts in the New Testament that mention the first day of the week. (The term “Sunday” is not in the Bible) The first five texts deal only with Jesus’ resurrection:

In the end of the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.  Matthew 28:1

And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun.  Mark 16:2

Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.  Mark 16:9

Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.  Luke 24:1

The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.  John 20:1

We will now discuss the last three of these texts:

Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.  John 20:19

At this point in time, the disciples didn’t even believe that the resurrection had taken place (Mark 16:14). They had met in the upper room for “fear of the Jews” and had the doors bolted shut. There is no indication that they thought of Sunday as a holy day.

And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.  Acts 20:7

According to the Bible, each day begins at sundown and ends at the next sundown. (Genesis 1:5, etc, and Leviticus 23:32) The dark part of the day comes first. Sabbath begins Friday night at sundown and ends Saturday night at sundown. This meeting was held on the dark part of Sunday, or on what we now call Saturday night because Paul was “ready to depart on the morrow.” (The New English Bible puts Acts 20:7 like this: “on the Saturday night of our assembly . . .”) The meeting lasted all night, interrupted only briefly at midnight by Eutychus’ fall from the window and a meal. Paul was on a farewell tour and knew that he would not see the people again before his death (verse 25). No wonder he preached so long. (No regular weekly service would have lasted all night.) The “breaking of bread” has no “holy day” significance whatever, because they broke bread daily. (Acts 2:46) This expression merely means that they ate a meal together. On the day following this meeting (Sunday), the group of missionaries travelled on to their next destination – Paul walking, the others sailing by ship – which they would not have done if it had been considered a holy day. There is no indication in this Scripture passage that the first day is holy, nor that these early Christians considered it so. Nor is there the remotest evidence that the Sabbath had been changed. The Bible refers to Sunday as a “working day” in Ezekiel 46:1. God has never asked anyone to observe Sunday as a holy day for any reason whatever.

Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.  1 Corinthians 16:2

There is no reference here to a public meeting. The money was to be laid aside privately at home. There was a famine in Judea (Rom. 15:25; Acts 11:26-30) and Paul was writing to ask the churches in Asia Minor to send some relief funds to their needy brothers. These Christians all kept Sabbath holy, so Paul suggested that on Sunday morning, after the Sabbath was over (which was the time they paid bills and settled accounts) they put aside something so it would be on hand when he came. Notice also that there is no reference here to Sunday as a holy day. In fact, the Bible nowhere suggests or commands Sunday-keeping.

I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day,  . . .  Revelation 1:10

Here is another verse that is often misunderstood. Contrary to what many Christians believe and teach, and what many Bible margins and notes show, “the Lord’s day” spoken about here is not Sunday; it is Sabbath, the 7th day, Saturday.

And he said unto them, The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath: Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the Sabbath.  Mark 2:27-28

God made the Sabbath holy at the time of creation. It has been kept throughout history and will be kept in the New Earth.

For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the LORD, so shall your seed and your name remain.   And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one Sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD.  Isaiah 66:22-23

God made the 7th day holy at the time of creation and called it the Sabbath. It is the true Lord’s Day.

He didn’t bless any other day.